News

24-06-2021

BAroC project started: Bio-Aromatic Conceptual Factory

Biorizon spin-off Relement started in May 2021 with the creation of a conceptual process design of the best commercial production route to bio-aromatics MPA and HMA. This conceptual design will be made in a consortium with Biorizon co-initiator TNO, Circular Biobased Delta and Catalok, funded by Topsector Energiesubsidie from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.

This concept of process design will provide information for the business case and should strengthen confidence among the customers of bio-aromatics and lead to purchasing intentions for bio-aromatics MPA and HMA. The conceptual design is an important Milestone for Biorizon spin-off Relement and should enable to attract further investment for a follow-up to a first commercial functional bio-aromatic plant from 2025. When the bio-aromatics plant is realized, a large energy and CO2 saving is expected, a raw materials transition and an economic value that will greatly strengthen biobased chemistry in the Netherlands.

BAroC partners:

BAroC subcontractor:

Project Activities

In this BAroC project, the partners will go through in detail the status of the synthesis of functional bio-aromatics MPA and HMA from bio-based furfural. Together with engineerings company Transition Hero (as subcontractor of Relement), a technoeconomic and LCA analysis, based on mass- and energy balance and a simplified process description, will determine the selection of the best process route. The most critical process steps and missing information or critical process improvements are completed with literature research, possibly additional small-scale experiments and a recommendation for improvement. On this basis, the Concept Process Design for a first production plant for MPA and HMA is designed. BAroC will also realize an initial elaboration for REACH, CLD.

Result

The BAroC project delivers an optimized conceptual process design of a first commercial factory for bio-aromatics MPA and HMA, including a cost estimate for CAPEX and OPEX and CO2 intensity and a sensitivity analysis containing recommendations for further research into the realization of the commercial plant. Furthermore, attention is given to a step-by-step plan of the further commercialization process of bio-aromatics MPA and HMA, which can be applied in coatings and lubricants, among other things.

If you want to know more about this project, please contact Relement CCO Monique Wekking at monique.wekking@relement.eu or or +31 (0)6 46 84 73 58

Acknowledgement

This project is made possible by a financial contribution from Topsector Energiesubsidie from the Dutch Ministery of Economic Affairs.